UPDATE: Added the 5th star. Read the review with edits at the end.
Wow. I am rarely this blown away by consumer-grade peripherals, but I feel very compelled to write a glowing review of these headphones.
I do a lot of audio work, and cans are ubiquitous. I have some wired Sennies that I love behind the mixer, a couple wired Audio Technicas that have stood the test of time in the broadcast studio, and a pair of nice Sony BT cans with ANC, so I will be comparing these Ankers to the Sony model WH-1000MX3.
Without question, Anker has come further, faster, than a lot of peripheral manufacturers. The attention to detail in their products is exceptional, and downright attractive. The build quality is great, the packaging is great, the functionality is great, the ergonomics are great. My experience with their hubs is what leaned me toward their headphones.
After a bad experience with in-ear phones on an airplane, I decided I really needed some over-the-ear headphones for flying, but I didn't want to carry around a $300 pair of cans that I only use a couple dozen times a year. I looked on Amazon, saw the reviews, read the single-star complaints, and plunked down a whopping $60 (SIXTY BUCKS?!?! Are you kidding?) figuring they couldn't sound that awful and would be perfect for the task.
Let me assure you: these are the perfect headphones for flying.
I like the idea that if they get lost or stolen, they're easily replaceable. I love how well they fit (with a caveat, below), and they look great. MOST of all, holy cow do they sound great!
Pairing the first time was a little bit of a process, but that's to be expected the first time you play with a new toy. After that, I put on my go-to sound check song ("Sacrilege," by Mentallo and the Fixer), cranked the volume way up, and listened.
I have no idea what the THD or frequency range on these are, but I don't think I care. The "silent note" at the 1:00 mark of that song came through so clearly, without even the slightest hiss or noise, that I was madly in love with them immediately. The dynamic range is exceptional, there was no need for me to play with the super-duper-bass-button-doodad, I just let it play.
The highs are crisp without tinny tones, the lows are deep without rattling the 40mm drivers (I'd love a set like this with 50mm drivers), just a very clean, direct, simple, uncomplicated sound quality that rivals the AT 500's I have and is absolutely on-par with the Sonys.
So I tested the ANR. I turned on the A/C in my office, reset Sacrilege, and played the beginning again. The A/C, as expected, kinda dampened the experience, but not any worse than the Sonys. I reset the song again, with the A/C on, and activated ANR (it's called ANC on the Sonys). THIS is where the two headphones differ dramatically.
With Noise Cancellation on, the Ankers outperform the Sonys. Period. It's a night and day difference, so if this is why you're considering these headphones, waste no more time and go get yourself a pair.
In terms of tonal quality, I put these at the top of the list of any wireless earphones anywhere. I mean it. They're better than ANY earbud type I've listened with, they're better than every other OTE without ANR/ANC, and they're as good as the Sonys, but with better ANR. They're better than any WIRED earbud, too, including the Sony IEMs I used to use back when everything had an 1/8" jack.
Sound is, as you would expect, not 'quite' as good as the higher-end wired ATs and Sennies. I don't think Anker would mind me saying that, because they're a completely different application. If you play MP3s and don't think they sound worse than lossless files, you wouldn't appreciate the higher-end phones, so go buy these right away. If you can't hear compression noise in your satellite radio, then you won't appreciate the compression of BlueTooth and you should go buy these right away.
That's quite a lot of good stuff to say about a pair of headphones that cost less than a decent dinner.
There are 3 reasons for the 4 star review.
1. The ear pads are uncomfortable for my ears. Not VERY uncomfortable, but enough that I have to adjust the phones several times during a 3 hour flight. It might be that they're new and I just need to break them in. If that turns out to be true, I'll adjust the review up a star.
2. The battery life isn't that great. To be fair, I only need about 12 hours of battery life and I'll just recharge them. However, the advertised battery life is estimated at 40 hours with ANR and 60 hours without. My experience is that with ANR I get about 22-24 hours, and without I get about 48. Now, I have not had these very long, so I've only timed my first recharges, so if it turns out the battery life goes up with proper use, I'll add the 5th star.
3. They don't fold up as small as the Sonys or even my ATs. This one alone is not worth docking a whole star, but it's the only other complaint I have. Carry-on space is so limited, and there's a pocket in my bag that the Sonys fit in, and these don't (not by much though).
Hope that helps you make a decision. I'm very happy with these, and I just might give them some airtime at sea level just for giggles.
UPDATE January 2023: After using these headphones for a reasonable amount of time, I'm adding the 5th star. The earphone cushions did "break in," which I'm not crazy about (if it breaks in, it will break out), but they did become more comfortable. Ordinary movement is sufficient to avoid the urge to move the head phones. On a 3 hour flight, they're perfectly fine. When they are new, the cushions are a bit stiff and I should have realized that, because my AT's needed their cushions replaced after umpteen years.
Battery-wise, I am getting pretty close to advertised spec, but I have noticed that if you crank up the volume on your phone or player, then crank up the volume on the headphones, the battery life suffers dramatically. Play with it a bit, adjusting device volume and then headphone volume until you get good sound without noise.
Finally, I'll tell you that I like these so much that I bought a BT card for my PC. These are pretty good for videoconferences, and they're nice to have while you run a buzzsaw or have screaming children next door and you just want to not be distracted. I'll still prefer my Sennies for mixing, and I still prefer my AT's for ordinary focused PC work, but these cans are exceptionally good. I cannot get over how good they are, affordable or not.
Five stars. When they wear out, or break, or otherwise stop making me smile, I'll just go buy another set.
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Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones, 60H Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Deep Bass, Memory Foam Ear Cups, for Travel, Home Office
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TCO Certified identifies IT products that are independently assessed for lower environmental and social impact, safer chemicals, and circular design.
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This Item  Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones, 60H Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Deep Bass, Memory Foam Ear Cups, for Travel, Home Office |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -17% $54.99 List: $65.99 | $15.99 | $69.99 | $49.99 | $99.00 | -9% $49.99 Typical: $54.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
| Volume control | ||||||
| Sold By | AnkerDirect | Bywulanda Diret | AnkerDirect | USTOZO | AnkerDirect | INFURTURE |
| connectivity tech | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | — | Wireless | Wireless, Bluetooth |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | On Ear | Over Ear |
| connector type | 3.5mm Jack | — | — | Bluetooth / 3.5mm Jack, 3.5mm Jack | USB Type C | usb-c,wireless |
| noise control | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | — | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | USB-C | — | Bluetooth / 3.5 mm | — | USB-C/3.5MM |
| cable feature | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Retractable | Detachable |
Product Description
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Hi-Res Audio
Enjoy Hi-Res Audio via 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver clear sound with rich details.
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Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
Internal and external microphones cancel out an extended range of low and mid-frequency noises.
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BassUp Technology
Our custom algorithm performs real-time music analysis for instantly intensified bass.
1 Sound Quality 2 Active Noise Cancelling 3 BassUp Technology
Crystal-Clear Calls
Life Q20’s microphone enhances voice pick-up to ensure you sound crystal clear on the other end.
Universal Comfort
Memory foam earcups gently mold around your ears, while the headband’s rotating joints automatically adjust the angle of the earcups to fit the shape of your head. This ensures that Life Q20 active noise cancelling headphones deliver maximum comfort and a secure seal.
Bluetooth 5
Get an ultra-fast and virtually unbreakable connection between Life Q20 active noise cancelling headphones and your mobile device. Compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptop computers, and more.
Accessories
In the box you’ll find a travel pouch to conveniently store Life Q20 active noise cancelling headphones in, a 3.5mm AUX cable to keep the music playing when you’re low on battery, and a Micro USB cable to charge them with.
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 Life Q20 |  soundcore H30i |  Life Q30 |  Space One |  Space Q45 |  soundcore C30i |  AeroFit Pro | |
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Customer Reviews
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76,218
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1,281
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67,634
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3,257
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5,749
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63
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308
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Price
| $49.99 | $29.99 | $55.99 | $99.00 | $149.99 | $69.99 | $132.06 |
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Active Noise Cancellation
| Hybrid ANC | / | Hybrid ANC with Multi-Modes | Adaptive ANC | Adaptive ANC | - | - |
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Sound
| Robust Bass, 40mm Drivers | Pure Bass | Robust Bass, 40mm Silk Drivers | Detailed Sound, 40mm Drivers | 40mm Double-Layer Drivers | Vibrant Audio, 3D Sound | Robust Bass with Spatial Audio |
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Playtime (ANC off/on)
| 60H/40H | 70H W/O ANC | 60H/40H | 55H/40H | 65H/50H | 10H/30H with Case | 14H/46H with Case |
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Fast Charging
| 5 Mins = 4H | 5 Mins = 4H | 5 Mins = 4H | 5 Mins = 4H | 5 Mins = 4H | 10 Mins = 3H | 10 Mins = 5.5H |
|
Calls
| Single Mic | Single Mic | 2 Mics | 3 Mics with AI | 2 Mics with AI | 2 Mics | 4 Mics with AI |
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Multi-point Connection
| - | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
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Customized EQ
| - | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️Hear ID | ✔️Hear ID | - | ✔️ |
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Weight
| 255g | 183g | 260g | 265g | 292g | 5.7g (0.19 oz) | 12.2g (88.7g with case) |
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Special Features
| Travel Pouch, AUX | On-Ear, AUX | Travel Case, AUX | Travel Pouch, AUX | Protective Case, AUX | Open-Ear Clip-On Earbuds | Open-Ear, Detachable Neckband |
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Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Worker well-being
Manufactured on farms or in facilities that protect the rights and/or health of workers.
As certified by
TCO Certified TCO Certified identifies IT products with lower environmental and climate impact, safer chemicals, and circular design which reduces e-waste. Criteria for social responsibility are also included to reduce the risk of human rights violations, child labor, and health and safety issues for workers in the supply chain. To ensure that all criteria are being met, independent verification organizations spend more than 20,000 hours on product testing and supply chain assessments each year. The organization behind TCO Certified is TCO Development.
Manufacturing practices
Manufactured using processes that reduce the risk of negative environmental impact.
As certified by
TCO Certified TCO Certified identifies IT products with lower environmental and climate impact, safer chemicals, and circular design which reduces e-waste. Criteria for social responsibility are also included to reduce the risk of human rights violations, child labor, and health and safety issues for workers in the supply chain. To ensure that all criteria are being met, independent verification organizations spend more than 20,000 hours on product testing and supply chain assessments each year. The organization behind TCO Certified is TCO Development.
Energy efficiency
Conserves energy compared to similar products.
As certified by
TCO Certified TCO Certified identifies IT products with lower environmental and climate impact, safer chemicals, and circular design which reduces e-waste. Criteria for social responsibility are also included to reduce the risk of human rights violations, child labor, and health and safety issues for workers in the supply chain. To ensure that all criteria are being met, independent verification organizations spend more than 20,000 hours on product testing and supply chain assessments each year. The organization behind TCO Certified is TCO Development.
Safer chemicals
Made with chemicals safer for human health and the environment.
As certified by
TCO Certified TCO Certified identifies IT products with lower environmental and climate impact, safer chemicals, and circular design which reduces e-waste. Criteria for social responsibility are also included to reduce the risk of human rights violations, child labor, and health and safety issues for workers in the supply chain. To ensure that all criteria are being met, independent verification organizations spend more than 20,000 hours on product testing and supply chain assessments each year. The organization behind TCO Certified is TCO Development.
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Reviews with images
I robbed this company
I actually feel like I robbed them. At first I put the headphones on and played some hip hop to see how the depth of bass and crispness of the mids and highs are and I thought it sounded GREAT... but wasn't blown away. These are not expensive so it was exactly what I thought it would be BUT..... I finally read the manual and there's a button you click 2 times. I clicked it 2 times and IMMEDIATELY smiled. The clear deep bass coming from this little headset is amazing! Even at 100% volume up, its crystal clear and absolutely no distortion at all. I feel like I have a pair or JBLs or Beats on. It's a no brainer on buying these. I'm going to order 3 more for my kids. They tried them on and they LOVE them. They always lose the little expensive earbuds. Can't lose these. The only thing I would wish better would be... the placement of buttons. When you fold them up, the power button on the left ear touches the right ear and turns on every time! If you don't notice this, it will be constantly on. Even so, it really won't matter because they must have alien technology because the battery life on these mamajammaz are absolutely insane. I charged mine when I first got them and used them alot. All day long many days and when I check the power it says..."Battery high". STILL!! I'm amazed
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Leonardo Bussadori
CONFORTÁVEL E COM SILÊNCIO
Reviewed in Brazil on September 9, 2022Color: BlackVerified Purchase
base
Value for money champ
Reviewed in the Netherlands on April 18, 2024Color: BlackVerified Purchase
mr a j h symons
Love these for the price, work brilliantly
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 12, 2024Color: BlackVerified Purchase
